Rotary hydraulic motor

ABSTRACT

A housing has a chamber therein with a pair of counter-rotating rotors mounted on transverse axles and synchronized in rate of rotation by an external gear connection. The housing is provided with fluid inlet and exhaust ports, and with by-pass means to insure continuity of operation whatever the relative location of the rotors. At least one rotor axle constitutes a work take off axle from the motor.

[ Feb. 11, 1.975

Stauth [54] ROTARY HYDRAULIC MOTOR 178.829 6/1876 Fitts ..418/206 r 186,008 1/1877 Holt 4l8/206 [761 Invenm" Tmmy smuth, Dodge 2,262,231 11/1941 Guibert et al... 418/206 Kans- 2,407,698 9/1946 Guibert et al 418/205 [22] Filed: Oct. 31, 1973 I Prunary Examiner-C. J. Husar PP 411534 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert G. McMorrow Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 247,700, April 26, 1972, [57] ABSTRACT abandoned. A housing has a chamber therein with a pair of countar-rotating rotors mounted on transverse axles and [52] U.S. Cl. 418/206 synchronized in rate of rotation by an external gear [51] Int. Cl. FOlc 1/18 connection. The housing is provided with fluid inlet [58] Field of Search 418/105, 205, 206 and exhaust ports, and with by-pass means to insure continuity of operation whatever the relative location [56] References Cited of the rotors. At least one rotor axle constitutes 8 UNITED STATES PATENTS work take off axle from the motor.

60,365 12/1866 Hardy 418/206 2 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures l 1 I 3 1 1 m 1 [1 W 64 I I 65' 26 2 23 60 2 l6 x o 1 ,1 o

1 ROTARY HYDRAULIC MOTOR This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 247,700, filed Apr. 26, 1972, and now abaondoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to rotary devices such as fluid pumps or motors, suited to employment in those fluid system environments wherein such devices are customarily used. Such motors are needed in many agricultural and industrial fields where the use of combustion or electrical motors is impractical.

2. Statement of the Prior Srt A substantial volume of prior art exists in which, in a rotary pump, multiple rotors are driven by a fluid source in a synchronized fashion. Such devices of the prior art have proven useful in many instances, but have also proven unreliable in operation due to problems encountered where the operation is interrupted at certain phases of the rotation of the rotors. It is an absolute requirement of the successful rotary motor that it be dependable in operation, and hence, the prior art devices have not been widely accepted.

Illustrative of the patented arrangements in this field are the following:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the employment of fluid pressure as a power source, it is important that continuity of operation of the associated apparatus be assured. It has been desirable further to provide multiple rotors, suitably interconnected, whereby these rotors provide mutual assistance in maintaining stability and uniformity of output of the motor. To these ends, the present invention provides a system wherein counter rotating rotors are employed in a chamber, each rotor having a series of concave faces and an opposite convex face. The concave faces are subjected to the imposition of fluid pressure at intervals during rotation, the convex faces remaining in contact with the adjacent chamber wall. The chamber is formed with by-pass voids adjacent the fluid inlet and outlet passages whereby entrapment of fluid and/- blockage of fluid inlet is avoided. Thus, regardless of the positions of the rotors, the motor continues in uniform operation.

The structure of the motor is such that, with relatively minor modification, additions, and rearrangement of the components, it can function as an internal combustion engine, or by steam pressure.

Where additional power is required, the rotors may be arranged in banks for that purpose.

Another objective of the invention resides in the provision of a hydraulic motor as aforesaid in which the rotors are operatively disposed in an oblong housing, and the inlet and outlet means for the actuating fluid are disposed at diametrically opposite positions between the axes of rotation of the rotors. This arrangement is such that a reversal of direction of work output is accomplished through alternation of direction of the fluid flow.

In a modification of the structure of the housing, plates are interposed between the central body section and side portions thereof, the plates being formed with openings to supply the by-pass voids.

The motor provides uniform power and vibration is minimized. There are few moving parts, and the motor provides a power rotation on each rotation of each rotor. Among the additional advantages of the motor is the provision of a means by which a hydraulic pump can be driven at a first given location, and for convenience, hydraulic motors may be located at various other locations, the power being transferred through tubes or high pressure hoses by means of hydraulic fluid. Examples of such uses would be in the automotive field with the hydraulic motors being connected directly to the axles of a vehicle while the vehicle engine would drive a hydraulic pump, thus eliminating transmission and differential functions.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the fluid motor of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the motor of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the relief recesses formed integrally in the motor housing side portions;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, partially in section, similar to FIG. 4, illustrating a modification in which the relief or by-pass recesses are formed in spacer plates;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view, on a smaller scale, showing the motor vanes in an intermediate position;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view, similar to FIG. 6 but showing the left rotor or motor vane in an exhaust position;

FIG. 8 is aperspective view of one of the spacer plates used with the modification shown in FIG. 5, with the relief recesses formed therein; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the rotors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings in more detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, a rotary hydraulic motor hereof is therein generally identified by reference numeral 10. The fluid motor 10 is mounted on a suitable support 12 by means appropriate to the circumstances of use associated with the housing 14 for the motor.

The housing 14 includes a central body portion 16 and first and second side portions 18, 20, respecitvely.

The central body section 16 comprises an elongated annular wall 22 defining a main rotor chamber 24. The wall 22 has an inner surface 26 and, in practice, is machined to a close tolerance. At mid-length upper and lower positions, the wall 22 has outwardly extending block members 27 and 28, each having a fluid passageway 30, 32. The surface 26 is indented at 31, 33 (see FIG. 3). The passageways have threaded sections at their respective outer extremities in which are engaged couplings 34 and 36. Outer locking plates 38, 40 fixedly clamp the couplings within the passageways, and are mounted in fixed position by changeable fasteners 42. The couplings comprise the terminals of fluid conduits 44 and 46, which as appears below may function either as inlet or outlet means. The wall 16 includes peripheral flanges 48 and 50 at each side thereof, (see FIG. 1).

Secured to a first side of the central body portion against the flange 48 is a matching flange 52 of a first side portion 54 of the housing. The flange 52 is mated with the flange 48 of the central body portion, and bolts 56 secure the two together. The side portion 54 has an inner wall 58 which is flat throughout its major extent. The wall 58 however, has wells or indentations 60 and 62 therein. As shown in FIG. 3, these wells are generally triangular in form, the angle portions being truncated, with the long base sides 64 and 66 coterminous with the indentations 31 and 33. The base sides thus coincide with the adjacent fluid passageways 30 and 32. The sides of the identations are inwardly concave, as at 68, and it will be observed that the indentations are diametrically opposite one another occupying mid-length positions on the side portions the truncated end of the triangular well terminates at a distance inwardly of the rotor wall just beyond the point where the tip'ends of the respective rotors make sealing contact with each other as they rotate, as do corresponding indentations or wells 104, 106 on the opposite side wall. The side portion has depending legs 70, 72 for connection with a subjacent support.

A pair of elongated boss elements project from the outer side 74 of the first side portion of the housing. These include a boss element 76 with a series of reinforcing gussets 78 thereabout and having a bearing means, not specifically shown. The boss element 76 is closed by a plate 80 held in place by bolts 82. The second boss element 84 has a gusset 86 thereabout and includes an outer plate 88 secured by bolts 90. The plate 88 is centrally apertured and carries a bearing assembly 92 serving a function described below.

Mounted against the flange 50 of the central body section is the second side portion 94 of the housing. The portion 94 is joined to the central body section by a mounting flange 96 which fits against the flange 50 and is connected by bolts 98. The portion 94 has a flat inner wall 100, and an opposite outer wall 102. The

inner wall has indentations 104, 106 which correspond in configuration and location to the indentations 60 and 62 of the opposing wall 58.

As will be observed in FIGs. 3 and 4, the rotor cham- Extending from the outer wall 102 of the second side portion is an enlarged, longitudinally extended rim 108. A pair of bearing blocks 1 10, 1 12 are housed within the rim, and are connected thereto by web elements 114, and each houses a bearing 116, 118, respectively. The portion 94 is supported on legs 119, 121.

Extending transversely across the chamber 24 and mounted for rotation in the bearing means of the boss element 76 and in the bearing 116 of the block is a stub axle 120. The axle carries a gear 122 on the end thereof projecting from the block 110, and a first rotor 123 is mounted on the stub axle within the chamber 24. The rotor 123 is described in more detail below. A drive axle 124 is mounted for rotation in the housing, one end being journaled in the bearing 118 of the block 112, and the opposite end extending outwardly of the bearing 92. The end of the drive axle associated with the block 112 carries a gear 126 meshed with the gear 122, while the opposite end of the axle projects from the motor as a power take off source. A second rotor 128 is keyed on the drive axle within the chamber.

In FIG. 4 it will be seen that the gears are enclosed by a cover 130 secured to the rim 108 by screws 132. The inner connection of the axles through the gears insures that the rotors 123 and 128 will rotate at the same rate and in opposite directions.

Each of the rotors is identical, and of substantially semi-cylindrical form and has a convex outer face 134 which is machined to a close tolerance for engagement during a part of each cycle of rotation against the inner surface 26 of the housing wall. Each rotor has a central hub section 136 with a bore 138 through which the associated axle or 124 extends, and the rotors have sharply recessed concave cut-outs 140, 142 on opposite sides of the hubs. FIG. 9 shows one of the rotors disassembled. Where necessary, suitable seals can be applied to the convex outer sides of the rotors, for example, at the smaller convex surfaces of the hubs and on the flat sides of the rotors at contact with the housing surfaces 58 and 100 in order to insure a complete seal around the pressure chambers.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is highly similar to the first form of the invention, differing only in respect to the manner of providing the fluid by-pass means. Reference characters corresponding to those used to identify the same or related components in the first form of the invention are here used with the letter a appended thereto. The inner walls 58a and 100a of this form of the invention are flat. Interposed between the wall 58a and the flange 48a of the side portion 54a is a plate 200. The plate 200 has openings 60a and 62a therein to provide by-pass means. It also includes openings 202, 204 for the axles and openings 206 for the connecting bolts. At the opposite side of the chamber 24a a plate 208, having openings 104a, 106a, and otherwise identical to the plate 200, is provided.

Operation of the motor is a function of the input of fluid pressure, normally through the input conduit with discharge through the passageway 32, although this direction of flow may be reversed with consequent reversal of the motor. While the manner of operation of the motor is believed to be self-explanatory in view of the above description of structure, reference may be had to FIGS. 6 and 7 for further clarification. In FIG. 6, fluid under pressure is introduced through the passage 30 and into the main chamber 24. There fluid pressure buildup exerts force against the left concave cut-out 140 of the rotor 123, this cut-out, together with the adjacent section of the housing wall and the exposed section of the convex wall of the rotor 128 forming a temporary pressure chamber. This results in movement of 5 the rotors in the directions shown by the arrows in FIG. 6. The power rotation of the rotor 123 continues in FIG. 6 to a position where end A of rotor 123 reaches the approximate point denoted by letter B in that Figure. Thereat, the rotor ends C and D are substantially centered in the indentation 60, and rotor 128 begins its power rotation in a manner similar to that of the rotor 123. As rotor ends A and E reach a location substantially centered in the indentation 62, rotor 123 is engaged in an exhaust rotation, but here the pressure chamber is defined by the convex wall wall of rotor 123 and the exposed concave surface of rotor 128 (e.g., that adjacent the end D thereof), causing a power rotation of that rotor. The fluid is, in this sequence of operation, expelled through the passageway 32. The entrapment of fluid in the exhaust stage is here prevented by the incorporation of the by-pass means 62 and 106. The reversal of this operation occurs in FIG. 7 where the direction of flow and movement is indicated by the arrows. In either case, the drive axle 124 is rotated and may be connected through a suitable power train for performing any desired function calling for rotary power.

Even in the event that the rotors are stopped with the tops together and blocking the input location, fluid is directed therebetween by virtue of the indentations and by-pass means. The provision of the by-pass at the exhaust side of the rotor prevents intrapment of fluid under slight pressure in the chamber defined by the hub and the respective ends between the rotor which would result in a hammer effect and would retard the rotors.

No other hydraulic motor is capable of delivering high or low torque at either high or low speed as this motor does.

l claim:

1. A rotary motor comprising:

a housing having a central body portion and opposite first and second side portions;

the central body portion being elongated and having a main rotor chamber formed therein defined by a rotor wall;

the central body portion having fluid inlet and outlet passages therein in diametrically opposed locations, said rotor wall having indentations therein about said inlet and outlet passages and extending axially between said first and second side portions;

a pair of axles, including an output axle and a timing axle, extending transversely across the main rotor chamber and journaled in bearing means formed in the first and second side portions;

a gear on each of said axles exterior of the second side portion, said gears being in mesh with one another;

a rotor on each axle, said rotors each being substantially semi-cylindrical in form and having a convex outer face contacting the wall of the rotor chamber during rotation, the rotors each including a central projecting hub with a transverse bore therein, and a pair of concave inner faces on each side of the hubs, the axles extending through said bores and the rotors being fixedly secured thereto and rotate in opposite directions such that the tip ends of respective rotors make sealing contact with each other during rotation as do respective convex outer faces and central projecting hubs; and

well means comprising truncated triangular chambers formed in the side portions coincident in location with the indentations of the rotor wall, said truncated triangular chambers having their bases corresponding in dimension to said rotor wall in dentations and wherein each of the said triangular truncated chambers terminates at a distance inwardly of the rotor wall just beyond the point where the tip ends of respective rotors make sealing contact with each other.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein:

said gears are encased in a cover. 

1. A rotary motor comprising: a housing having a central body portion and opposite first and second side portions; the central body portion being elongated and having a main rotor chamber formed therein defined by a rotor wall; the central body portion having fluid inlet and outlet passages therein in diametrically opposed locations, said rotor wall having indentations therein about said inlet and outlet passages and extending axially between said first and second side portions; a pair of axles, including an output axle and a timing axle, extending transversely across the main rotor chamber and journaled in bearing means formed in the first and second side portions; a gear on each of said axles exterior of the second side portion, said gears being in mesh with one another; a rotor on each axle, said rotors each being substantially semicylindrical in form and having a convex outer face contacting the wall of the rotor chamber during rotation, the rotors each including a central projecting hub with a transverse bore therein, and a pair of concave inner faces on each side of the hubs, the axles extending through said bores and the rotors being fixedly secured thereto and rotate in opposite directions such that the tip ends of respective rotors make sealing contact with each other during rotation as do respective convex outer faces and central projecting hubs; and well means comprising truncated triangular chambers formed in the side portions coincident in location with the indentations of the rotor wall, said truncated triangular chambers having their bases corresponding in dimension to said rotor wall indentations and wherein each of the said triangular truncated chambers terminates at a distance inwardly of the rotor wall just beyond the point where the tip ends of respective rotors make sealing contact with each other.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein: said gears are encased in a cover. 